Manuel Almunia to end England keeper crisis? Arsenal's Spanish stopper ready to commit to Fabio Capello and Three Lions

Manuel Almunia is ready to pledge his allegiance to England and could answer Fabio Capello's goalkeeper crisis ahead of next year's World Cup.

The Spaniard has investigated taking English citizenship after qualifying through being a UK resident after spending five years at Arsenal.

England are suffering from a shortage of top quality stoppers. Currently in the frame are Ben Foster, who has withdrawn through injury from the squad to play Holland this week and is not first choice at Manchester United, West Ham's Robert Green and Portsmouth's David James, whose infamous nickname is 'Calamity'.

Roaring Lion?: Manuel Almunia of Arsenal

On that evidence and with a World Cup in South Africa looming large, Capello would surely not discourage Almunia from gaining duel nationality.

Almunia said: 'I've been informed what I need to do. If I take the decision I don't
think it's difficult to get citizenship. It could be very quick – and
soon.

It's Gunner be tough: Almunia says Spurs fans may not welcome him playing for England

There was a note of caution from Almunia, however, as he identified a
section of fans who may not welcome him to the England fold with open
arms.

'I have to see what people think because it's not an easy decision. I'm
32 so I don't want any problems with anyone. This is not a silly thing.
You are playing with the hearts of people. [An England cap] is not
something you can buy in a shop. I don't want to disturb anybody.

'I know what Tottenham fans will say. I can guess their opinion of me
playing for England. But it's not just playing for England. If I take
the citizenship I will be very proud.'

The goalkeeper revealed the support of his family back in Spain, and noted that the country of his birth - the reigning European Champions - pick some players not born in Iberia.

'They want me to have it. My family agree I should do it. In Spain it's
different because we had some Brazilian players.

'Look at [Marcos]
Senna. He is now Spanish. Donato, a great player, was a Brazilian
playing for Spain. I hope people will understand if I do it.'

Almunia has also received support from teammates at Arsenal. 'Theo [Walcott] is very nice', he said. 'He sometimes asks me if I will take the
citizenship and I say, 'Yes, if you want?' Then he says, yes, he would
like me to.

'The England players are very important. I would like to
know what they think and if I will be welcome.'